Political Strategist Rich Dunn Joins NRCC

Rich Dunn, chief of staff for Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., will join the National Republican Congressional Committee as its battleground director for the 2014 election cycle.

Dunn previously worked as political director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee and helped the NRCC's election work in 2008.

Now Dunn will seek to assist in the GOP effort to maintain its House majority. He is expected to lead the NRCC's key independent spending program for the upcoming elections.

Returning to the NRCC is a "natural" move, Dunn told Politico. Before his first stint at the NRCC in 2008, Dunn was a top aide for former Indiana Rep. Chris Chocola, who now heads the Club for Growth, and was chief of staff for Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann.

"Going back to the NRCC is a unique opportunity. It’s not often that you get to work with such a great team," Dunn said.

NRCC executive director Liesl Hickey said in a statement that Dunn's "extensive political experience and sharp political instincts make him a strong and welcome addition to our team."

The NRCC raised over $17.5 million in the first quarter of 2013, trailing the the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee by more than $5 million.